More than just an aromatic and flavorful spice, cinnamon is also an effective health treatment. A staple part of the diet that dates back to 2000 BC, cinnamon has been used historically to treat such conditions as coughing, arthritis and sore throats. Today, its health applications and uses seem limited only by the individual’s imagination and ability to tolerate the spice.
A spice obtained from the bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum, cinnamon is an aromatic spice used in cooking and baking savory and sweet foods. The spice is harvested by growing a tree for two years and then cutting it to ground level. The bark is then scraped off and beaten into long rolls. While still wet, the bark is processed rendering the characteristic spice.
While the spice is best known as a flavorful ingredient, its efficacy extends far beyond the kitchen. Cinnamon plays an important role in traditional medicine and possesses a variety of healthful effects.
With its natural composition, cinnamon is considered a medicinal substance in a variety of ways. The compound can be used effectively as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial agent. It also functions to stimulate brain and nerve function as well as to cleanse and detox the body.
As such, cinnamon has been identified as an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions. Research suggests that cinnamon is effective for treating HIV, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also be used to regulate diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure. As it is an antifungal agent, cinnamon can also alleviate fungal infections such as candida. The substance is even able to regulate metabolism and aid in weight loss.
More than just a good cooking spice, cinnamon is also a great health remedy. The spice can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including diabetes and high cholesterol.
